JimZ

"Had" Chris? Jim

Love the al valore militare!! You've got some lovely medals there....and of course, ti diamo tutti il benvenuto!!!! Regards Jim

I do not think you can actually throw percentages. Very speculative to do so. Jim

I suggest that you look at some of the research threads were you will find scans and translations of the documents. This will help you understand better what you are going to be sent. Sould you decide that you want to find out more, you can always request additional research. Regards, Jim :cheers:

You can use the "more reply options" to eventually upload pictures directly on the forum. If you have any difficuilties PM me. I agree that this should be circa 1953 (or later). Using the Durov classification this should be a type 4, sub type 2, variant b. Its a type 6 variation 1 under the Mc Daniel Schmitt classification. It carries the Leningradski Monetny Dvor (Leningrad Mint) mark. What you have is probably a long service award or even worse....brace yourself....a civilian lenin. In terms of research, it may prove to be boring and not a fraction as prestigious as a real combat Lenin.

A story some years ago about a tourist being held for trying to export an anniversary medal was enough to make sure that I always left Russia empty handed. And in any case, the dealer prices were prohibitive too, compared to what was more easiy accessible from outside Russia itself. As far as I know, the law prohibiting the exportation of soviet ODMs applies only to the Russian Federation and not to the whole of the former Soviet Bloc. Jim :cheers:

So close and yet so far ... Will be back in June. Perhaps its worth the try! Was it possible to order the research there and then? I am there for two weeks.... Should be some 20 mins away by car (although I do not dare drive in Russia!) Regards Jim :cheers:

Glad to help out. Jim :cheers:

My pleasure - we'll await the research results. Any more Soviet stuff to share? Jim :cheers:

It was people who live there who told me to keep away I remember when visiting the CAF museum in Moscow I was discussing with my wife some very evident 'replacements' that were exhibited. Sure enough I was accosted by a younger museum attendent who asked how he could help me. I decided to refrain from passing other comments comments to avoid offending any one, or even worse drawing any negative attentions. Of course we all know what happened to Russian museums and how various items slipped through the doors to be 'replaced' with fakes, as the market for orders and medals opened up and bec

And a commemorative plaque in Kiev: All above info courtesy of : www.warheroes.ru Regards, Jim

His tombstone:

And here is some information - you may want to use an online translator: Шутов Степан Фёдорович - командир 20-й гвардейской танковой бригады 5-го гвардейского танкового корпуса 38-й армии 1-го Украинского фронта; командир 20-й гвардейской танковой бригады 5-го гвардейского танкового корпуса 6-й танковой армии 2-го Украинского фронта, гвардии полковник. Родился 17 (30) января 1902 года в деревне Дворец ныне Бобруйского района Могилёвской области (Белоруссия) в бедной многодетной (8 детей) крестьянской семье. Белорус. Член ВКП(б)/КПСС с 1924 года. Трудился у помещика с 9 лет, с 19

I think this is the man you are looking for: Шутов Степан Фёдорович 30.01.1902 - 17.04.1963